New World: Shiraz/Syrah, Grenache, Mourvedre & Rhône Blends, South Africa
2017 Gold: 3 Silver: 5 Bronze: 7 Commended: 7
2016 Gold: 1 Silver: 8 Bronze: 3 Commended: 8
This was a creditable performance by South Africa with Rhône varieties. But while the number of Golds might only have been one behind the country’s performance with Bordeaux reds, this was a far less assured performance.
There was a feeling among our teams that there is huge potential here – but that the country’s growers and winemakers are still slightly feeling their way; the percentage of Silvers was lower, and the feedback more mixed, with tasters finding wines that they liked very much, and others that they seriously didn’t.
An interesting category, and one to watch for the next few years.
FROM THE TASTING TEAMS
‘The random faults that there used to be have really been worked through, but there was a certain heavy-handedness. They compete in terms of value with Australia and the Rhône, but are not necessarily cheaper than them.’ Martin Lam, team leader
‘A lot of hot wines. I wasn’t blown away.’ Harry Crowther, M Wine Store
‘It almost feels like Stellenbosch is trying to be Swartland – to be lithe, fragrant, low sulphur, ripe fruit but not over extracting.’ Simon Woods, team leader
‘I think South Africa in the last 10 years has found its roots, going back to Rhône varietals was the best choice it’s ever made – but in our flight we found too much oak, and reductive gunpowder aromas.’ Christopher Delalonde MS, Bleeding Heart Group
‘It was hit and miss. No defined style among them.’ Ivan Ruiz, Wright Brothers
‘A very different flight, lots of variation and interesting flavours. A lot of big meaty, leathery, earthy tones, but on the palate quite dry and relatively elegant.’ Scott Levy, Smith & Wollensky